The National Bureau of Investigation, more commonly known as NBI, is a government agency that is tasked to protect and enforce the laws of the land. When it comes to criminal cases, it works together with the police to capture criminals and prevent crimes in the first place. It has been helping protect the safety of Filipinos for about a century now.
Most OFWs who want to work overseas make sure to secure NBI clearance first. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is a government agency serving the Philippines dedicated to fighting crime and fraud. When it comes to securing NBI clearance for overseas employment, the NBI works together with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to screen applicants.
When you apply for a job overseas, the DFA will secure an NBI clearance from you first. They will then forward the clearance to your prospective employer, who will use it as part of their hiring process. In this post, we will detail everything you need to know about the NBI, its programs and services, and its many benefits to OFWs. Keep on reading to learn more about the agency and how it can help you.
What is the Meaning of NBI?
NBI stands for National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines.
What is the Purpose of NBI?
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is widely regarded as the most credible and effective investigation agency. It is entrusted with investigating a variety of serious crimes, including those committed against national security and public order, terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crime, economic sabotage, graft and corruption, and other severe offences.
When there have been no arrests made by any local police office or when such matters are not being handled by any other law enforcement body, the National Bureau of Investigation has the authority to investigate crimes involving illegal drugs.
On March 3, 1936, the Commonwealth Act No. 141, also known as the National Bureau of Investigation Act and the National Bureau of Investigation Act as amended by Republic Act No. 6975, also known as The Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, gave birth to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The Executive Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is appointed by the President of the Philippines to serve a term that lasts for six years. In addition, he or she is responsible for appointing other bureau officials based on the advice provided by an ad hoc committee made up of representatives from a variety of government departments and law enforcement organisations. The bureau is structured with three departments, which are as follows:
- Internal Affairs Division (IAD): The National Bureau of Investigation’s Internal Affairs Division is one of the agency’s most important operational components (IAD). It conducts investigations into charges made against members of staff who may have been involved in unethical or illegal acts, such as extortion or bribery.
- Planning and Management Division (PMD): The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has a planning, personnel management, and budgetary unit known as the Planning and Management Division (PMD). The – Planning and Management Division is in charge of drafting the annual budget proposal for the Bureau and delivering it to the Office of the President (OP) after it has been completed. In addition to this, the PMD provides the Central Intelligence Group (CIG) with advice and guidance on issues concerning the agency’s workforce requirements.
- Automated Case Management Office (ACMO): This is the principal repository for all of the documents and information pertaining to pending criminal cases and incidents that have been handled by the agency. The NBI and its partner agencies rely heavily on the ACMO as a critical resource since it gives them access to information in real time and so enables them to make well-informed decisions on investigations and operations.
Functions and Responsibilities of the NBI
The mission of the National Bureau of Investigation (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is to uphold all laws that are currently in effect, to prevent and discover criminal activity, to suggest steps that can be taken to ensure peace and order, to keep the peace during times of emergency, to safeguard the sovereignty of the state, and to protect the people of the state. The National Bureau of Investigation is tasked with carrying out the following duties:
The NBI gathers and processes information on crimes, criminals, and their organizations.
On a national scale, it is the job of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and prosecute criminal offences. In addition, the organisation offers forensic services, which may include laboratory examinations of physical evidence as well as information regarding crime scenes.
The NBI may be called upon by any government agency to provide assistance in the case of a crime.
The Philippine National Police is the major law enforcement agency in the country, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is responsible for its oversight. In addition, it is the job of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by state officials who are not members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The National Bureau of Investigation has a total workforce of 2,000 people, comprised of 500 agents and 200 investigators.
The primary mission of the NBI is to protect the Philippines from threats against its security.
In addition, it investigates crimes and offences that are committed against national security, such as acts of terrorism, espionage, and sabotage; rebellion, sedition, and subversive activities; unlawful possession of firearms and explosives; kidnapping for ransom; and other grave crimes.
The NBI investigates all cases involving criminal activity before turning them over to the National Prosecution Service.
In addition to this responsibility, the NBI is entrusted with undertaking operations against organised crime, which may include illicit gaming activities and the trafficking of illegal drugs. In addition to this, it helps put an end to other types of illegal activity, such as extortion and kidnapping for ransom.
In order to obtain information that can be used against suspects in court, NBI operatives will sometimes follow them around and keep an eye on their every move. They conduct interviews not only with the people who committed the crimes but also with witnesses and victims of those crimes.
The National Bureau of Investigation is able to take part in arrests and the seizure of evidence related to illegal narcotics, in addition to its role in conducting investigations. The agency has specific teams devoted to this task, and the members of those teams are trained in a variety of specialised techniques, including chemical testing and fingerprint analysis, amongst other methods, in the course of their work.
The NBI conducts background investigations on certain individuals as well as companies who need documents to be valid.
In addition to this, the agency conducts investigations into incidents of human trafficking and illegal recruitment activities, as well as cases involving counterfeit documents such as phoney identification cards and social security numbers.
There is a specialized task force inside the NBI that is dedicated to the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of crimes committed against women and children. The investigation of situations involving sexual abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, and child pornography falls under the purview of this particular unit.
Additionally, the bureau is home to an intelligence division that is responsible for compiling data pertaining to illegal actions for the purpose of providing it to other sections of the agency for use in their respective investigations.
Once they have conducted their investigations, they will present their findings in court if required to do so by law.
In addition to its investigative functions, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also has a preventive function. This function includes providing security for visiting foreign dignitaries and government officials who are under threat from terrorists or other criminal groups; protecting witnesses and informants; apprehending high-ranking criminals whose arrest is considered urgent; participating in peace keeping operations (PKO); and providing technical assistance to state agencies that are involved in crime prevention.
The NBI protects the people of the Philippines from threats against its security.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the only national investigative agency with jurisdiction over the entire country to implement laws that safeguard the population and the security of the state.
It conducts investigations into cases of terrorism, espionage, kidnapping for ransom, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, arson, and other forms of destruction of property; economic sabotage through smuggling activities; violation of immigration laws such as illegal entry into or stay in the country; falsification or use without the authority of any official document issued by government authorities; and other crimes in violation of existing laws.
List of Programs and Services of the NBI
The National Bureau of Investigation (Bureau Nacional de Investigaciones) is one of the few law enforcement bodies in the Philippines that has the authority to investigate crimes, make arrests, and collect evidence.
The National Bureau of Investigation is charged with the responsibility of enforcing immigration laws as well as assisting in the investigation of crimes involving illegal drugs and other prohibited substances, falsification of government documents, credit card fraud, immigration fraud, alien smuggling, and transnational crimes.
The NBI will make every effort to ensure that the immigration services provided by the Bureau are carried out in an honest and unbiased manner, while also ensuring that they are carried out in an efficient and effective manner.
- Administrative Services: The National Bureau of Investigation Administrative Services provides support services to each and every NBI office in the country. It is the responsibility of the unit to ensure that its staff are adequately prepared, trained, and supplied to carry out their assigned tasks. In addition to this, it is responsible for administrative tasks such as accounting, purchasing, and the administration of both physical and human resources.
- Financial Services: The National Bureau of Investigation’s Financial Services division is in charge of managing the agency’s finances and budget. It guarantees that every spending is accounted for, while also ensuring that revenues are collected and deposited in line with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
- Investigation Services: Investigations into potentially dangerous criminal acts that endanger the nation’s security are carried out by the NBI Investigation Services. In addition, it performs the function of the agency’s intelligence arm, collecting data from a wide variety of sources and analysing it to identify emerging patterns in criminal activity.
- Intelligence Services: The National Bureau of Investigation’s Intelligence Services is responsible for collecting and analysing information regarding criminal activity, terrorist activities, and other dangers to national security. Additionally, it offers assistance and support in the form of intelligence gathering to various law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
- Forensic Investigation Services: The National Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Investigation Services is in charge of carrying out forensic examinations on the evidence and other materials that have been obtained in the course of investigations. In addition, it provides the prosecution with expert opinions and testimony to support their position in criminal trials.
- Regional Operations Services: The National Bureau of Investigation’s Regional Operations Services is in charge of providing assistance to local law enforcement authorities in their attempts to combat crime. It is also responsible for conducting investigations into crimes that involve many regional offices and coordinating its efforts with Interpol Manila and other international organisations.
- Legal Services: The National Bureau of Investigation’s Legal Services division is in charge of providing the agency and other law enforcement organisations with legal help. In addition to this, it acts as the director of the NBI’s legal counsel and oversees the prosecution process in court.
- Information and Communication Technology Services: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is supported in its communication, networking, and information technology endeavours by the Information and Communication Technology Services (ICT Services). In addition to this, it is responsible for the processing and analysis of data using various electronic technologies.
List of NBI Online Services
- e-Customs Clearance: Through the use of this service, you will be able to obtain a clearance for imported items from the Bureau of Customs. You will be required to enter information regarding your cargo, including the type of item, its value, and its weight.
- Online Scheduling for NBI Clearance Application: Through the use of this service, you will be able to arrange an appointment at the NBI Clearance Center that is located closest to you. In order to complete the application, you will need to supply details regarding your passport as well as the other essential documents. Foreign Student Visa Extension: If you are a student in the Philippines and wish to extend your visa for an additional year, you can take use of this service. It will be necessary for you to give information regarding the current status of your NBI clearance.
- Availability Checker of NBI Clearance Appointment Slots: Through the use of this service, you will be able to verify the availability of NBI clearance appointment slots in the location of your choosing. You will be required to submit specific information regarding the day, time, and location of your choice. Application for NBI Clearance to be Submitted Online: Through the use of this service, you are able to submit an application for a new NBI clearance or the renewal of an existing clearance online.
- Verification of Records and Fingerprints of Criminal Offenders and Arrestees: Using this service, you will be able to determine whether or not records of your criminal case may be found in the NBI database. You will be required to supply details about your identity, including your name, date of birth, and the nature of the offence for which you were arrested or convicted.
- Notice of Alias (NOA) Search: Using this service, you are able to determine whether or not a person uses an alias or has more than one name. You will be asked for the whole name as well as the date of birth of the individual whose alias you wish to check for in order to proceed.
- Certificate of Non-Record (CNR) Search: You are able to determine whether or not a person has a criminal history by using this service. You will be required to supply the full name, date of birth, and location of birth of the individual whose record you need to check on before you can proceed.
Video: NBI Clearance Online Application
NBI clearance is a mandatory document required for various purposes in the Philippines. The process of applying for an NBI clearance used to be quite tedious and time-consuming, but fortunately, the application can now be done online. Applying for a clearance from the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBI) online is not only easy and convenient but it can also be done in just a few steps.
Obtaining a clearance from the NBI online can be done in the following stages. You can receive your NBI clearance in a hurry since it is simple, and the video that is posted above will walk you through each stage of the process. What do you need, how do you pay for the application, and where do you pay for it exactly? If you watch the video that’s been linked above, you’ll find the answers to all of these questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who created the NBI?
On October 15, 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 62, which served as the legal basis for the establishment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Bureau was rechristened the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 1969 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 848, which also laid out the PNP’s organizational structure, powers, and responsibilities, in addition to those of its officers and other personnel.
2. How many agents are there in the field currently?
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has roughly 2,000 agents working in the field around the country, including those who are stationed in the National Capital Region as well as other regions.
3. In what areas does the NBI have authority to investigate?
The primary area of responsibility for the Bureau is to investigate criminal cases involving public officers and employees as well as private individuals who commit offences in connection with their official duties. In addition, the Bureau is responsible for investigating private individuals who commit offences related to their official duties. It also investigates crimes that threaten national security, such as terrorism, espionage, and sabotage; economic sabotage through graft and corruption; illegal possession or trafficking of dangerous drugs; cybercrime; human trafficking, including prostitution; kidnapping for ransom; bank robbery or hold-up with violence or serious physical injuries inflicted upon persons during the commission thereof; carnapping with death resulting therefrom; estafa committed by public officers.
4. What are some of the core values of the NBI?
Integrity, honesty, service, professionalism, and quality are among the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) basic values. The Bureau is dedicated to sustaining these ideals in every facet of its activities, and it will do so moving forward.
5. What powers does the National Bureau of Investigation have?
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has the authority to investigate and prosecute any crime or offence that is in violation of the laws of the Philippines. In addition, the NBI is tasked with performing and exercising any other functions that may be authorised by law, as well as any functions that will effectively promote public safety, order, and peace. The Bureau also has administrative oversight over all provincial and regional offices staffed by NBI agents, who are distributed around the country and allocated to each province and region.
6. What laws are enforced by the National Bureau of Investigation?
The Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 (Republic Act No. 6425) is one of the statutes that the National Bureau of Investigation is authorised to implement along with the following:
- The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act No. 10591)
- The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165)
- Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (Republic Act No. 9194) –
- Act of 2012 Relating to the Prevention of Cybercrime (RA 10175)
7. Who heads the National Bureau of Investigation?
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the most important investigative organisation in the United States federal government. It is a line agency that is a part of the Department of Justice. The director of the agency is appointed by the President, and both the President and the Secretary of Justice place a high level of faith and confidence in their work (SOJ).
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now led by Director Dante A. Gierran, who was appointed to that position on January 19, 2018, by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He took over as Director of the NBI from Virgilio Mendez, who had previously held the position for two years before retiring.
The mission of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is to provide investigative and technical assistance to the government’s law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of laws against crime, illegal drugs, and terrorism; to conduct background investigations of applicants for government positions; to investigate complaints involving public officials or employees; and to perform other functions related to these missions.
8. Is the NBI part of the military?
The NBI is not a component of the armed forces. It is a sub-department of the Department of Justice that houses this agency (DOJ). The National Bureau of Investigation was founded on October 15, 1947, as a result of President Manuel Roxas issuing Executive Order No. 94.
9. How does one become an agent of the NBI?
The NBI is an agency that is responsible for law enforcement. To be able to carry out its functions, it need the assistance of agents who are honest, intelligent, and skilled technically.
If you want to work for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), you need to be able to speak, read, and write in English or Filipino; have at least two years of college education; pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Psychological Examinations; pass the entrance examination conducted by the NBI Training Center (NBI-TC); and go through training at the NBI Academy for Agents. All of these requirements need to be met.
10. What are considered punishable offenses by the NBI?
The NBI has the authority to investigate any violation of laws and regulations, including:
- Illegal possession or use of firearms, ammunition, explosives and other dangerous weapons;
- Malicious mischiefs against property (e.g., arson);
- Violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines;
- Illegal recruitment and illegal recruitment activities;
- Establishing or maintaining a den, dive or resort for prostitution or sexual activities;
- Human trafficking in persons (e.g., trafficking in women and children);
- Money laundering;
- Cybercrime (e.g., computer-related offenses such as cybersex, hacking, identity theft and spamming);
- Piracy in all its forms (e.g., intellectual property rights violations such as illegal reproduction of music CDs and DVDs);
- Illegal recruitment;
- Establishing or maintaining a den, dive or resort for prostitution or sexual activities;
- Human trafficking in persons (e.g., trafficking in women and children);
- Money laundering;
- Cybercrime (e.g., computer-related offenses such as cybersex, hacking, identity theft and spamming)
Summary
The National Bureau of Investigation is the primary agency in charge of law enforcement and investigations in the Philippines. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was established in 1936 with the mission to investigate crimes, prosecute perpetrators, and provide legal support to victims. It also plays an important part in ensuring national security, gathering intelligence, and fighting terrorism.
NBI Philippinesis a law enforcement body that is responsible for investigating crimes, carrying out surveillance operations, and collecting evidence. Additionally, it plays a significant part in the protection of the nation by assisting other government agencies with their intelligence gathering and anti-terrorism efforts.
OFWs have a responsibility to educate themselves on the NBI’s services, as well as its purpose and objectives, so they can effectively use such services if and when they become necessary. If you have gained new knowledge about the NBI as a result of reading this piece, be sure to forward it along to your loved ones and friends so that they, too, can take advantage of the many different programs and services that are made available by the NBI.
READ NEXT: How to Get an NBI Clearance in Philippines for Abroad Work
Contact Information
Address: 1158 Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Telephone Number: (02) 8523 8231
Website: https://www.nbi.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalBureauofInvestigationOfficial
Google Map Location
Here is a map location guide to the NBI Main Building office in Metro Manila:
Please see list of NBI Offices here – List of NBI Clearance Branches in the Philippines